The Liverpool team news is out and people aren’t happy.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has gone back to basics with the team he picked to take on Crystal Palace at Anfield, but that has upset a few.
There is some good news within that, though. After missing the bore draw against Everton, Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah are back in the team and should make a difference.
Salah and Robertson failed to make an appearance at Goodison Park as Klopp kept them back with one eye on this game, and now is their chance to show everyone what we were missing over the weekend.
James Milner and Joel Matip picked up injuries and aren’t involved, so that means Virgil van Dijk will partner Joe Gomez in the heart of defence, with Trent Alexander-Arnold to their right.
Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino complete the forward line, but it’s the midfield that some fans have taken issue with.
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho retain their place in the side, but where you might expect to see Naby Keita you’ll find Gini Wijnaldum.
Wijnaldum has been brought in to play as part of Klopp’s favoured midfield three, but it does take a little bit of an attacking spirit away from the team. Keita did well against Everton and could have reasonably expected to keep his place in the side.
However, we know the gaffer turns to Gini and this midfield combination in important games, and this falls under that category. Anyone who doesn’t understand this team selection doesn’t understand Liverpool.
Win here and it could all be over by picking up points at the Etihad, which would be sweet stuff indeed. With five subs allowed, Keita could be seen at some point during the clash.
Klopp isn’t afraid to take players off early, as he proved when he removed Takumi Minamino just because he wanted to use all five subs.